What's that smell? Hampton Roads under air quality alert

Hampton Roads and the greater Richmond area are under air quality alerts.

The state Department of Environmental Quality issued the alert as temperatures are expected to soar Wednesday into the high 90s.

Meanwhile, a wildfire continues to burn in North Carolina, just below the Virginia border.

The alert places Hampton Roads and Richmond in "Code Red," meaning that particle pollution is at unhealthy levels for the general public. The DEQ says sensitive groups, such as asthma sufferers, may have more serious problems.

Particle pollution is made up of particles found in dust, smoke and fumes. It is most commonly produced by the burning of coal, diesel and oil, the DEQ says.